City in good state–Mabilog

Iloilo City Mayor Jed Patrick Mabilog, in his first state of the city address Wednesday, said the city’s present state is “good” and definitely progressing.

He admitted, however, that his first 100 days in office presented many challenges. Still, he said that he has sown seeds of progress such as reforms in the city hall, public-private partnerships, and prioritizing problems that needed action fast.

He also presented his achievements in local governance such as the implementation of city ordinances on anti-smoking, anti-littering and anti-jaywalking, as well as the celebration of the city’s 73rd Charter Day.

On education, he said the city has hired 170 locally-paid teachers, granted additional allowances and continuing education for deserving city government employees, policemen, and barangay officials.

He also noted his programs on dengue, foot and mouth disease, PhilHealth coverage, rabies control, acquired additional ambulance and the support of the private sector and Chinese community in terms of health.

Mabilog said the city government has initiated job fairs where through its Trabaho sa Barangay programs and deployed 21 Ilonggos to good-paying jobs in the Middle East. A blueprint for medium-rise buildings to house poor informal settlers was also launched, he said.

The mayor also cited the city’s efforts on peace and order such as providing firearms and mobile patrols to the city police. He also stressed that crime solution efficiency rate has increased to 76.52 percent from July to September this year.

He presented developments on the coal-fired power plant which is expected to solve the city power crisis, and solution to the city’s water supply through a bulk water system.

The mayor also outlined his administration’s future plans such as the city public college by June 2011, a future Iloilo City Sports and Convention Center, and rooftop green garden at the future city hall building.

In his 44 minute speech, Mabilog said he is the “cheerleader-in-chief” for Iloilo City as promoting the city is part of his job.*PNA